Humbug

With the new battery, the alternator is making 16.4 volts, and there are some slightly melted wires in the harness at the voltage regulator, so I assume the VR is shot. I've ordered a new one, and will see where this takes me. Joe

I replaced the alternator because it wasn't putting any charge at all to the battery. After I put the new one in, it didn't work, either. I later ravved the engine, and the alternator started working, putting about 14v to the battery. Electricity is devious, in my experience. Zed Head, I'm not seeing any diagram. Joe

Thanks. I checked the diode in the alternator, and it passed, but I've not completely disconnected the alternator. I rechecked the wire in the link, and it is blue. I put a full charge on the red optima battery last night and fooled around with tests today. Then I left the battery disconnected. Later, when I checked, it had three volts, I am going to get a new battery in the morning and start over. Joe

My 1976 Z has developed a parasitic current draw which drains the battery in a couple of days. I have traced it to the front right fusible link. That's the foreward one next to the fender, and it is brown. My eyes aren't good enough to read the wiring diagrams, so hoping someone can give me a hint on what this link protects. It started around the time I replaced the alternator with a new one from Autozone. I still have the external voltage regulator. Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated. Joe